Geoffrey Deibel, a native of Washington D.C., has made a name for himself as one of Chicago’s leading young concert saxophonists. Twice a graduate of Northwestern University’s prestigious music school, he is making efforts along with his colleagues to win a lasting place for the saxophone in the concert music world.

As a student at Northwestern University, Geoff had the privilege of studying with world-famous concert saxophone pedagogue Dr. Frederick Hemke. He also studied with saxophonists Jonathan Helton and Leo Saguiguit, and with pianist Michael Kocour. Mr. Deibel appeared with nearly every major ensemble, including the Symphonic Band, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Symphony Orchestra and the Jazz Ensemble. He appeared as soloist with the Contemporary Music Ensemble and was lead alto saxophone with the Jazz Lab Band. He also played freelance gigs with saxophone quartet and orchestras around the Chicago area. He is featured on the Symphonic Wind Ensemble's 2004 CD, Contemporaries. Mr. Deibel graduated with Program Honors from Dr. Hemke’s studio after four years of study.

During his masters year, Geoff helped found and was soprano saxophonist for the Hyacinth Quartet. The quartet, formed at the end of September 2003, gave a full recital in December. They performed at the 2004 International Saxophone Symposium, the Northwestern University Chamber Music Competition, the Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition, the Coleman Chamber Music Festival, Chicago’s Roosevelt University, and the 2004 NASA Biennial Conference. They also performed for the Chicago String Quartet and the Cleveland Duo.

In many of these performances, the quartet was debuting a transcription of Béla Bartók’s 3rd String Quartet. The group was able to translate specialized string techniques onto saxophone, resulting in the invention of new saxophone techniques, and shedding new light on a classic quartet work. Geoff performed in a quartet which gave the North American premiere of Elliot Sharp's Approaching the Arches of Corti, and he had the privilege of working with noted composer Bernard Rands in preparing for a performance of his Memo No. 6 at the same concert.

Mr. Deibel resides in Chicago, maintaining an active performing and teaching schedule. Recent performances have been with the New World Symphony of Miami and the Lake Shore Symphony in Chicago.

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